The man found dead in a red pick-up truck at Potter’s Cay Dock is believed to be 57-year-old Prison Principal Officer Van Johnson. He was found slumped behind the driver’s wheel.
Just little more than a month ago Johnson testified as a witness at the Coroner’s court regarding the January 17 break-out at Her Majesty’s Prison.
Evidence arose in the case that implicated Johnson as the man who provided the four escaped prisoners with hacksaw blades which they used to cut their cell bars.
Deputy Superintendent of the Prison Charles Rolle expressed shock at his sudden death. Mr Rolle is acting in the capacity as Superintendent of Her Majesty’s Prison in the absence of Dr Elliston Rahming.
Police officials said on Monday, after the discovery of Mr Johnson’s body, that an autopsy would be performed to determine the cause of his death. But, so far, foul play is not suspected.
Deputy Rolle told the Guardian yesterday: “He was an all-around person. One that was very talented. He was considered so good at what he did we used to call him ‘McGyver’.
“PO Johnson was the man responsible for preparing all the locks for the cells at the prison compound, as he was at one time in charge of the welding shop, he said. “I really was surprised. I know that he was not well, but it was a surprise that he passed.”
Mr Rolle shared that some years ago Mr Johnson had some problems with his heart. “I thought he was doing well but things occurred again.”
He said officers are saddened that “a comrade has fallen.” Prison officials are now meeting with the Johnson family to help with funeral arrangements.
“He was just moved out of the welding shop and he was working with the personnel that exercised the condemned inmates,” Deputy Rolle explained.
When asked if he felt that Johnson died of natural causes, Rolle said he believed so, though it has not been officially confirmed.
“I have known Van Johnson for all of his career here and I have never heard anything of that nature,” he said, regarding the allegations raised at the Coroner’s inquest.
Deputy Rolle added, “I was surprised that person who said that. I did not see that type of character in Mr Johnson.”
During his testimony at the inquest in April, he told the court that he was assigned to work the Maximum Security exercise yard with inmates. Mr Johnson said he never passed contraband items to prisoners.
When asked if prisoners were allowed to have hacksaw blades, he said, those who worked in the welding, mechanic and plumbing shops had access to them.
He asked several times for questions to be clarified.
“I don’t want to incriminate myself or give any adverse report on the matter.”
The prison officer said he was not at work on January 17 and learned about the prison break from the morning news report. Mr Johnson said he knew the escapees – Forrestor Bowe, Barry Parcoi, and Neil Brown, but only was familiar with Corey Hepburn by face.
Johnson denied receiving money from prisoners or their families. He said he did not know of any escape plans.
“Did you assist in the escape of prisoners from Her Majesty’s Prison in Fox Hill,” was a direct question to which he responded that he did not.
When asked by the coroner why people would say that he gave prisoners hacksaw blades, marijuana and alcohol, Mr Johnson said, “They must have some malice towards me.”
By: JIMENITA SWAIN, The Nassau Guardian
